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IFn /Iftemoriam. 



jfrancis 3B. Stochbrit)9c, 



xnntteb States Senator 



from 



^tcbtoan. 



— r" 



LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS 



MEMORIAL 



OK 



FRANCIS B. STOCKBRIDGE 



'lO caiiiio/ holil mortality s strong liiituV 



BY AUTHORITY 



LANSING 

KOIIEKT SMITH & CO.. ST.\TE PRINTERS .4ND BINDERS 
ISIS 






Coium*»i» 



In Exeli. 



^ 



f 




'Tis ever wront'l<? >;ay a ir«iod man (Ul-s.' 



* There's noiluntr U-rrible i n tU-ath : 
'Tis but to cast our robes away. 
And sleep at nit;lit without a breath 
To break repose till dawn of day." 



J^ousc of R*?prcs*?ntatirv?s. 



SENTATIVES, j 

'T 7, iSgj. ) 



House of Representatives, 
L(iii<iiig\ Fcbrnan 

MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS. 



Mr. Chamberlain offered the following-; 

Whekkas, Our State and nation has been called upon to 
mourn the untimely death of Michig-an's g-allant statesman and 
mag-nificent citizen, the Hon. Francis B. Stockbridge; therefore 

be it 

Ecsohcd (the Senate concurring-). That a joint committee of 
three Representatives and three Senators be appointed to 
arran"-e for a joint memorial convention of the two Houses 



that opportunity- may be g-iven for pa^ying- fitting tribute to 
the memory of him, our illustrious dead. 
Laid over one dav under the rules. 



Hoi\SK OF RepkE-sentatives, ^ 
Laiisiiig; February 5, iSg^;. \ 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS, 



Being the LX)nsideratit)n of the following: 

WhekEas, Our State and nation has been called upon to 
miiurn the untimel3' death of Michigan's gallant statesman and 
magnificent citizen, the Hon. Francis B. Stockbridge ; therefore 
be it 

Resolved (tlie Senate concurring), That a joint committee of 
three Representatives and three Senators be appointed to 
arrange for a joint memorial convention of the two Houses 



that oppdrtuiiity may l)e Lrivcii Inr payinj;- tittiny tribute to 
the nieiiiory of him. our illustrious dead. 

Tlio (jueslion licint^- on the adojitioii of the resolution, 

The resolution was adopted. 



11 K.S.SAC. ICS l-'KOM TIIH SKNATE. 

The Speaker announced the following-: 

SiCNATK ClIAlIBEK, \ 

Ldiisiiio; ]'\-h)injr\ ■,-, iSg^. ( 
To the Speaker oj the Jfoiisc of Ixefrcseii/a/ires: 

SiK— I am instructed by the Senate to return to the House 
the folU)winy concurrent resolution: 

Whkkeas. Our State and nation has been called upon to 
mourn the untimely death of Michig-an's g-allant statesman and 
mag-nificent citizen, the lion. Francis B. Stockbridg-e; therefore 
be it 

Reioh'cd (the Senate concurring-), That a joint committee of 



three Representatives and three Senators be appointed to 
arrange for a joint memorial eonvention of the two Houses 
that opportunity may be ufiven for paying- fitting tribute to 
the memory of him, our illustrious dead; 

In the adoption of whieh the Senate has concurred. 

\'ery respectfully, 

DENNIS E. ALWARD, 

Sccrclary of the Senate. 
The Speaker announced as the committee on the part of the 
House, under the resolution, Messrs. Foote, Latimer and Smith. 



HotTSE OK Rkfke.sent.\tive.s, 
Laiisi)ii^\ Felintarv 1 1, iSgj;. 

MESSAGES FKOJr THE SENATE. 



1 The speaker announced the following: 



L' 



Si:xA'ri-: C'liA.Minuv', \ 
/-i/i/s/i/i;-, l'\-briiary ir, iS<jj. j 
'/;; //ic .S/,v//yv (;/" ///,• //ousc of h'rprcsnitiil/zc!;: 

SiK I am in-,tru>tc(l by tho Senate to infdrin the Hmisr that 
Senators liialy, WanuT and Kcrlcr have- been apiM.inti'd on tli 
part of tlic Senate under the l'olhi\\in<r resolution: 

Wiii.:ki;as, Our State and nation has been calle.l ujion to 
mourn the untimely death n[ .Miehi<;-an"s <,'-allant statesman and 
mafrnilieent citizen, tlie Hon. Francis B. Stockbrid-^re; therefore 
be it 

h'csohrd (the Senate concurring;). That a joint committee of 
three Representatives and three Senators ])e ajipointed to 
arrang-e for a joint memorial convention of the two ]Iouses 
that oi^portunity mav be yiven for payini,r littinj^- tribute to 
the memory of him, our illustrious dead. 

\'ery respectfully-, 

DENNIS E. ALWARD, 

Scnr/tiry of the Semite. 
The message was laid (m the table. 



Hoi'SR OF Rkpkeskntatives, 1 
L(i/if/i/i^\ Miirc/i /jr, iSgj;. ) 

Mr. Fdotc arose to a question of privilege and sug-gested that 
as a number of committees had been appointed rehitive to 
memorial exercises for the distinguished dead who had recently 
passed away, and believing that one committee would more 
satisfactorily arrange for all exercises of that nature, for him- 
self he would much prefer to be excused from the committee on 
memorial exercises for the late Senator Stockbridge, and that 
the duties thereof be transferred to the committee in charge of 
the memorials for the late ex-tlovernors Blair and Winans. 

The Speaker announced that by unanimous consent the sug- 
gestion (.)f Mr. Foote would be agreed to, and that the several 
proposed memorials would be arranged for as indicated. 



HousK OF Rkpkeskntatives, | 
Laiisiiio; May /j, /S<pj. ) 

By the joint committee on the Stockbridge Memorial Exercises: 
Your committee appointed for the purpose of arranging for a 



memorial convention of the two Houses that ojiportunity nuL_y 
be gfiven for pa3-ing- fitting- tribute to tlie memory of the late 
distinguished I'nited States Senator from Michigan, Hon. 
Francis B. Stockbridge, 

Beg leave to report, that we have met with the committee of 
the Senate, and have arranged as follows: 

Both Houses will convene in the Hall of Representatives May 
20, at IS ]). m., and will be addressed by his excellency, Gov. 
John T. Kich, Lieutenant Gov. Alfred Milnes, and members 
from both Houses. 

The program will be interspersed with music, vocal and 
instrumental. 

Very respectfully, 

F. C. CHAMBERLAIN, 

Chairmiin Home CoiiDiiitlcc. 

Report accepted. 



S*2nate Cumber. 



Senate Chajibek, "> 
Lansing; February j, /^Vj ■ ) 

MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE. 

The President announced the following: 

House of Representatives, 
Lansing, February j, iSgj. 
To I he President of I he Senate: 

SiK— I am instructed by the House to transmit to the Senate 
the t\)llowing- concurrent resolution: 

Whereas, Our State and nation has been called upon to 
mourn the untimely death of Michigan's gallant statesman and 



mag-nificent citizen, the Hon. Francis B. Stockbridg-e; therefore 
be it 

J^csolva/ (the Senate concurring), That a joint committee of 
three Representatives and three Senators be appointed to 
arrange for a joint memorial convention of the two Houses 
that opportunity may be given for paying lifting' tribute to the 
meiiidry of him, our illustrinus dead; 

Which has been adopted by the House anil in which the con- 
currence of the Senate is respectfully asked. 

Very respectfully, 

LEWIS M. ^^LLER, 
Clerk of the Ilome of Represeiitativei. 

The (piestion being on concurring in the atbiptinn of the 
resolution. 

The Senate concurred. 



Senate Chamber, ~| 
Lansing, February S, iSgj;. ) 
The President announced Messrs. Bial)-, Warner and Keeler 
as the committee on the part of the Senate to arrange for a 
joint memorial convention of the two Houses for the late Hon. 
Francis B. Stockbridg-e. 



We see him yet; we hear liis voice; 

Fond meni'ry brings him close to view. 
His heart with kindly thout^hts so full. 

His every word and action true. 





KonsQ 


of Kcprescntatipes. 










House of Representatives, ^ 










Lansing; Mav 20, iSg^. j 










EVENING SESSION. 










/.•^S o'clock p. 


III. 


The 


House met 


and 


was called to order by the Speaker. 




Roll 


called: (jiii. 


rum 


present. 




The 


Speaker announced that the session of this evening- 


had 


been set apart for 


exercises 





3n ^omoriam, 

Tho Gate Kon. Trancis 13. Stocl^briagc. 

The Speaker called Mr. Chamberlain to the chair. 

Mr. Taylor moved that a committee of three be appointed to 
wait on the Senate, the Governor and State officers, and inform 
them that the House has convened in session and is read}' to 
receive them ; 

Which motion prevailed. 

The Acting- Speaker announced as such committee, Messrs. 
Taylor, Covell and Place. 

After a short absence the committee returned and reported 
that they liad performed the duty assigned them, and were 
discharged. 

The Sergeant-at-Arms announced the Honorable, the Senate, 
who were conducted to seats. 

The Sergeant-at-Arms announced the Honorable, the Gov- 
ernor and State officers, who were conducted to seats. 



PKOCEEDINGS IN JOINT CONVENTION. 



The following- is the 



Program 



Of the joint convention: 

MUSIC— " Funeral March " .... M. E. Church Orchestra 

PRAYER Rkv. W. H. Osborne 

MUSIC— " Remember Tliy Creator" . Presbyterian Mai.K Quartette 

PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTIONS | qenator Charles H. Smith 
AND ADDRESS, \ 

ADDRESS Gov. John T. Rich 

MUSIC Industriai, School Choir 

ADDRESS Representative Byron S. Waite 

ADDRESS Senator C. C. Chittenden 

MUSIC— " Mona, " Adams Mrs. Marian A. Davis 

ADDRESS Representative J. T. Campbell 

MUSIC-Instrumental,]'^;- '•'. yj,'^^ft^l"anz/' !" ' ^'^^ Marie Stephenson 
ADDRESS Representative C. E. Foote 



ADDRESS REprESENTaTivk W. I. LaTimer 

ADDRESS LiEVT. Gov. Alfked Mii.nES 

MUSIC — "After," .... Pkk.shvtekian Male QrAKTETTE 
BENEDICTION Rkv. H. S. Jokdan 

Senator Smith, (Hi hcluLlI' of the Cominittec of Arrang-ements, 
presented the followini;-: 

WhekEA.s, The Supreme Ruler, in his inserutihle wisdom has 
seen lit to remove from his field oi usefulness and from among 
men, the Honorable Francis B. Stockbridge, late Senator in the 
Congress of the United States; and 

WiiKKK.vs, It is becoming to the Representatives of the State 
he represented in Congress to give expression to their feeling 
of great loss, and the high regard in which he was held by 
his fellow citizens; and 

WherK-A-S, We recognize in the late Mr. Stockbridge a man 
of the people who, by his indomitable energy and nobleness of 
character, rose to the highest position in the gift of the people 
of this State; and 

Whereas, We recognize the fact that while Mr. Stockbridge 
was honored by the people of the State of Michigan, the 



people were honored by his painstaking- and untiring- efforts in 
cver^-thing pertaining to Michigan as a State, and in those 
lines which were for the best interests of the general g-overn- 
ment; therefore be it 

A'rso/zrd, That we, the members of the Senate and House of 
Representatives of the Legislature of Michigan of 1S'»5, do 
hereby record our feeling of loss, our high appreciation of the 
noble character of our late Senator, and our high estimate of 
Mr. Stockbridge as a man, as a citizen and as a statesman ; 
and be it 

Fiirtlicr rciolvcd. That a copj- of this preamble and resolu- 
tion, suitably engrossed, be sent to the widow of our late 
Senator, to whom in her great affliction, this Legislature 
desires to tender its most profound sympathy. 

The question being on the adoption of the resolutions, 

Senator Smith addressed the joint convention as follows: 

AFr. Prcs/dciil, Mciiihcn of the Legislature, and Fel/oir Citi- 
zens — The announcement of the comparatively sudden death of 
Michigan's United States Senator, Francis B. Stockbridge, one 



year ag-o, spread sorrow among- the citizens of our common- 
wealtli. It has been fitting-ly said by an eminent statesman of 
this country that, "Silence is the best exponent of individual 
sorrow, and the heart that knoweth its own bitterness shrinks 
from exposition of its affliction." However, I do not under- 
staiul that we are here assembled to express our profound 
g-rief because of the death of our distinguished Senator, but to 
consider brielly his consjiicuous traits of character and his true 
manhood, which we can profitaljly study and emulate. So far 
as I am personally concerned, I confess my incompetency to 
draw a faithful picture of the splendid characteristics of this 
noble man. Still, a moment's reflection at this time may aid 
us to more clearly understand and appreciate his elevated man- 
hood, loving disposition and unalloyed humanity. It is neces- 
sary to employ some standard to determine the worth and 
capabilit}- of the character of an\' person or subject under con- 
sideration. Measured by the highest and most exacting test, 
the life of Senator Stockbridge will stand out as honest, great 
and useful. 

The deceased Senator was born at Bath, in the State of 



Maine, in the year 182(i. His father was a practitioner in 
medicine, and having a limited practice and income was unable 
to assist the son to a college education. The young man, at 
the age of fourteen, full of ambition, started out for himself 
and secured emplo3'ment in a dry goods store in the city of 
Boston, where he remained until the j-ear 1847, when his 
expanded ambition and hope led him to believe that there were 
wider opportunities and scope for industrious young men in the 
interior of this great country, and he thereupon made a shift to 
the city of Chicago, where he embarked in the lumber business 
upon his own account. In 1857, the great financial crash came, 
and he used his entire property to satisfy his indebtedness. 
His high commercial hontir and persistent industrj' enabled him 
to obtain accommodation in a sufficient amount to re-establish 
himself in business in Chicago, which he conducted continu- 
ously until 1871, when he began operating in lumber at Sauga- 
tuck, Allegan county, this State, where he remained until 1877, 
when he made his final move to the beautiful village of Kala- 
mazoo, where he lived until his death. 

He had large lumber interests in the upper peninsula of 



iMicliif^-;in and (in llic Pacila- coast, in wliich C,cu. Ali^cr was 
iissdciatnl with liini. In Kalaina/oo, he iiivcstcil nicincv in sub- 
stantial sums in nianulacturini^ enterprises and in everv way 
praetieahie aideil in the eniplnvnu-nt (if the hihorers and mechanics 
(il his resident city. He ne\er loaned a dollar of money for the 
mere interest which it niit,'-ht earn, hut used it at all times in such 
a manner as to henelit the i,'-reatest number of his countrymen, 
with a fair i)rorit for himself. His \yhole life was a beautiful 
e.xamjile of modest ijfenerosity and christian charity. No honest 
needy man, woman or child ever api)lie(l at his door for assist- 
ance without receivini»- help and enctjurayenient from his kind 
hand and heart. The juirity of his ])urpose and love of man- 
kind were evidenced in every moyoment <ii his tnoble career. 
He would ha\e died a multo-millionaire, but for his numeroi:s 
charitable contributions while living-. I am authentically 
informed that for 3-ears before his death, the account of "(iifts 
and charities'" was the largest personal accoutit upon his books. 
For instance, in the year 18').^, his books show that his livinir 
expenses were $24,000, while his gifts and charities for the 
same year amounted to the magnificent sum of S3o,ooo. He 



g-ave to Albion College at one time, $5,000. Hobart Hall at 
Ann Arbor, Michigan (an Episcopal institution), in 18S7, S10,000. 
He equipped one room in the Garfield Hospital at Washing-ton 
at a cost of several thousand dollars. He gave SKI, 000 to a 
woman's hospital in Chicago, S10,000 to the Y. M. C. A. at 
Ivalamazoo five or six years before his death. He made 
frequent contributions to the children's home at Kalamazoo, 
which was remembered in his will to the amount of 830,000. 
It was his custom to ascertain from the church people in his 
city the names of the unfortunate poor there, and have 
sent to them periodically food and money to relieve them of 
their suffering and misfortunes. Many church societies, finan- 
cial! v embarrassed, have been the happ}' recipients of his unos- 
tentatious bounty. In fact, the whole charitable work of his 
life was undemonstrative. 

As an illustration, he at one time became deeply interested 
in a poor man residing in his city who was about to lose his 
home on mortgage foreclosure proceedings. Senator Stock- 
bridge knew the man personally and had boundless confidence 
in his perfect integrit}-. He dispatched a messeng-er for a gen- 



tlrtn.n. wh,„„ he requested to aet for him. so that Senator 
Stoekhrido-e would not be known as the moving spirit in the 
"latter. Throuu-h the interventi,.n of this outside partv. he 
paid and satisfied the mortg:a-e and obtained a disehar^^e 
thereof, which he had delivered to the embarrassed mortga..o^r 
whose ..ratitude for this kindly act was only equalled by the 
J-'.v and happiness of his unknown benefactor. A faithful nar- 
rative of the frequent evidences of his impulsive generosity 
m.«-ht be in.lefinitely continued. He sincerely believed in 
bestowing his gifts of money and property during his own life- 
time in order that he might earlier assist the needy and 
personally enjoy the relief afforded by his own hands, "simply 
intending to retain a financial competency at old age. provided 
that he had lived the matured life of four score years, which it 
is evident from the management of his business affairs he 
anticipated. 

He was a thorough student of finance and the great material 
and commercial interests of the country, and possessed an apti- 
tude and sagacity for a great business career. He studied his 
investments closely, and. when made, always evinced stalwart 



contidcnce in their ultimate success. His tinancial prosperity 
was the natural fruit of his unceasinir energ-y and skill. In 
fact, \ybatever he untlerti:>iik, whether in public or priyate life, 
was retfarded by him as certain of success. This unaliating 
confidence, coupled with his eminent personal fitness, produced 
in all who knew him a corresjxinding; faith in his capability, 
and this was the foundation of his political preferment. 

He was elected by the ISIichig'an Leg-islature in ISST to a full 
term in the United States Senate, and received the grateful 
compliment of re-electicm to the same big-h office in 1S')3, but 
only served about one year antl two months of his second 
term, having- passed away on the 3t>th of April, 1S')4, after a 
very brief illness while tem])orarily in the citv of Chicago. 
While in the United States Senate, as well as before, he was a 
fearless advocate of what he conceived io be right and was 
always alert to the interests of his constituents. He was capa- 
ble of stating a proposition with convincing clearness and never 
failed t(.i secure for the State of Michigan what he believed 
would most effectually promote the interests and welfare of her 
citizens. AVhile in Congress, seven years and two months, he 



(iljtaiiu'd l;iri,Tr ;ii)]ir(i]iriati(ms in the aggrcu^^atc than were ever 

seeured for this State by any ntlier Senator (hiring" a siniihir 

period of time. 

Ilotli in and out of oflice, he was respected by every aciiuain- 

tanee. His home was a model of domestic felicity and love. 
and his sunny disposition and unpretending hospitality were a 

perfect i;;-uaranty of comfort and enjoyment to the many, many, 

frien<ls who were his welcomed g-uests. 

His i)rivate life was exemplary, his public life honoral)le and 
true. He tried to never feel want and never want feeling. He 
believed in and practiced that great cardinal virtue, charity, 
which is a mantle of lieaven's own weaving lent us to cover 
our neighbor's imperfections. 

The tongue of praise is incapable of doing his memory jus- 
tice. His place can never be hlled. 

When the columns and arches supporting this great capitol 
structure shall have fallen, the broken fragments will bear 
evidence of a former magnificence. So with our esteemed 
friend: his boilv. now divested of animati<m and life, tells the 



storv uf ;i loviiiif husband, a perfect representative of the 
people and a princely patriot. 

His Excellency, Governor John T. Rich, then spoke as follows: 

Sc//t//(irs (///(/ /\cpirscii/i!tii-cs. Ladies and (ioitlcmcu — It is 
fitting- that these resolutions be offered here tonig-ht; it is 
especially fitting that the}- should be offered in this room, 
where he whose memor}- we meet to commemorate was twice 
nominated and twice elected to a seat in the highest legislative 
body in the world. 

Senator Stockbridge was a noble specimen of the New 
England contribution to Michigan citizenship and statesman- 
ship. He came here not only to better himself, but the State. 
He rendered material aid in material developments; he contrib- 
uted to every good thing that came in his way and served 
the State with honor in the Senate of the United States. He 
partook somewhat of the rugged character of the country he 
came from, and like Gen. Cass, Senator Chandler and Gov. 
Blair, the very efforts he had to make in his youth to oljtain a 
livelihood enabled him and them to succeed in the west and 



had much to do with his success here. It seems to ine that 
Senator Stockbridgc in his advancement was typical of the prog"- 
ress and the advancement of the State itself. He came here 
younj^, poor in purse but rich in strong'th anil perseverance and 
in noble aspirations to succeed. lie came here when our State 
was younsjf and the main tliin<; to look for was the future, as 
they had little to show for it in the past. My ac<juaintance 
with Senator Stockhridge was comparatively limited, but every 
day and every hour that I was thrown in contact with him, 
increased mv personal respect for him. lie was candid in all 
that he did, and I do not now remember of his ever doing' or 
advocating anything in his line of dut}" that he was not will- 
ing' should be published in the press the next day. During the 
last few years he lived it was my fortune to be thrown in con- 
tact with him a great deal, and I found him absolutely honest and 
candid. He was as free from suspicion as any man it was ever 
my lot to meet: he had the courage of his conviction and stood 
by his principles under all circumstances. No better example 
of that can be g-iven than in the sumptuous mansion in which 
he resided in Washington. He w^as surrounded by those who 



\ 



believed in wine, and while the table was laden with ever_y- 
thing- else, wine was excluded therefrom. 

On one or two other occasions I had reason to know of his 
character. He was not without political amljitions. In ISSO he 
aspired to be chief executive of the State of Michig-an, but he 
believed it his duty to devote himself to an invalid wife; so 
well was that duty carried out that his invalid wife survives 
him. I have met him in other places. He could dictate a bus- 
iness proposition as clearly- as any one I ever met without 
any pretense to oratory. He evinced such kind feeling's, such 
marked friendship for those he met that he had strong- attract- 
ive powers for all those with whom he was thrown in contact. 
I have heard him on the stump in the last campaign, without 
attempt at oratory, g-et up before a larg-e audience and state 
his views, and seemed to draw them as much to himself as any 
man in the campaig-n, without ciTort or affectation. In the per- 
formance of the arduous duty as United States Senator he car- 
ried the same g-ood hard common sense that had characterized 
him through life. While he made no attempt at oratory in the 
Senate, no man's judgment upon any proposition with relation 



to this great country of ours commanded more respect than his. 
While there it made no dilference how humble a man who 
went from Michig-an, he had but to send his card to Senator 
Stockbridg-e anil he would have as cordial welcome as though 
he came from the aristocracy or from a foreig'u country. It 
was ilone in a way which was attractive and made people not 
only respect but love Senator Stockbridg-e. I think the country 
and State owes much to him. His example antl success in lite 
is an insjiiration to the \duth of our land. lie had no more to 
start in life than nianv of the young' men who are within the 
hearing of mv voice. It seems to me that no man ever gatli- 
ered wealth more fairly and honestly and distributed it better 
than Senator Stockltridge. While it is an inspiration to the 
youth, it is also a rebuke to those who complain because so 
many are rich, while they are poor, because there is none but 
wliat have had the same opjiortunities before him as were 
before Senat(.)r Stockbridgfe. 

Senator Stockbridg-e inherited from his ancestors industry and 
thrift which the circumstances made necessary, and brought 
those very qualities west with him, and the}- contributed much 



to his success in life. Do you believe, or does any one believe, 
that if he had had a wealthy father, everything contributed, 
every opportunity for a college education, and had had no 
desire to do anything-, that he would have acquired what he 
did? Young man, it is not always a misfortune to be born 
poor; vou must work for success in life. 

There are other speakers and I will not detain you longer. 
I cordiall}- endorse the resolutions offered and say that I believe 
that Michigan is better, that this country has been better 
served, that the world is better, for Senator Stockbridge having 
lived. 

Representative Byron S. Waite supported the resolutions in 
extempore remarks. 

Senator Chittenden spoke as follows in support of the resolu- 
tions: 

Francis B. Stockbridge, one of God's noblemen, in the zenith 
of his strength and usefulness, "has reached his journey's end," 
and we are gathered here tonight in halls of state, through 
which in earlier years his voice was heard, here at the capital 



ot tlu' state lu' lovi'd so well, and wliieh he did sd imieh U> 
h(iii(ir, til pay nur trilnites to his wurk and deeds. "He did imt 
fall liki- dni<i]>iii!,r lluwers that no man nntieeth, Imt like a 
great braiieh of some stately tree, rent in a tempest and IliniL;- 
down to death, thiek with >,,'-reen leafai^e." 

How poor this world would be without the past, without its 
graves, without the niiyhty ilead. 

"Only those whose tongues are hushed in death speak elo- 
([uently throut^'h many years." 

It matters not what hour the i^'rim, dread messenger we eall 
Death gives orders for some noble soul to launch his bark upon 
the dark and unknown sea; it matters not, the shock is always 
harsh, the grief is always deej), and the loss of one we love, 
and whom our country loves to honor, seems irreparable, and 
we look for volunteers to till the gap made wide by such a 
death. 

But what are years? One of the shining truths that make 
the memory <d' our heroes bright, is that their greatness is not 
measured bv the vcars thev lived. 



'• Hiiw Inti;,^ \vf live, not years but actions tell. 
That nian lives twice who lives the iirst life well; 
The trust that's ^iven g"uard and to thyself be just. 
For live we how we may, yet die we must," 

The history of the world's great men is one made brig'ht b}- 
the g-arlands of flowers that admiring- multitudes have strewn 
upon their graves. All nations have ever honored their noble 
souls in life and death; when they have passed from the active 
scenes of life, we should forget their faults and weaknesses, 
and rememl)er only those things we admire, and which are 
worthy of our emulation. 

In reviewing the lives of great men we should always remem- 
ber that "The greatest walk in shadows; and that faults and 
failures mingle with the lives of all." 

Renown and honor are, to some extent, the creatures of cir- 
cumstances. Opportunities present themselves, and ask for vol- 
unteers; and the man who is great enough, grand enough, and 
brave enough will eml)race the opportunity, ami rise by the 
strength of his genius and the opportunity offered, to greatness; 
but many an one whose greatness was known to those alone 
who knew him best, has passed forever from the thoughts of 



iiicn, because the moment never came to show the world his 
wt)rth. As Gray in his Inunortal Klesj:'y lias said: 

'* PiTliaps ill this lu'jrii'clfd spot is laid 

Sonii' hfart once pregnant with celestial fire. 
Hands that llie rod of empire iiii^lil have swayed 
Or waUed lo ccstacy llie livitip lyre. 

" Rill knowledge to their eyes her ample pafxe. 
Rich with the s])oils of time, did ne'er unroll: 
Chill penury repressed their noble rat.'e. 

And froze thi* (genial current of their soul." 

While the hero whom we seek to honor here tonig'ht was not 
the greatest, vet he was great, and noble, true and brave. 
AVhen the noble (Governor of this s^reat State, wished a patriot, 
a statesman, a loyal friend in his council, when our nation's life 
was imperiled durintj the dark, dread hours of secession and 
rebellion, from a host of noble men Gov. Blair selected him of 
whom we speak tonight. 

No man more brave than he; no one more patriotic; no one 
more true to the j)eople whom he loved; no one had a grander 
heart than he. 

One of the characteristics of his life was his unswerving- 
lidelity tt.) the principles of true friendship. 



When his many friends had g-athcred to perform the sad and 
solemn funeral rites for their illustrious dead, the observer 
marked not alone the rieh and noble, the distinguished and 
great, but many from the lower walks of life; and as the_y took 
their last sad look of their departed friend, their bosoms 
heaved, and with a sob of manly grief they said, "I never had a 
truer friend than he." Contrast this with the saddest of pictures 
when Benedict Arnold, raising his hand to Heaven, said "In 
all America I have not a friend, no not one." Patriotism, love 
and friendship are the three attributes that build men up, and 
make them truly great. No man can be groat into whose 
heart the sweet and tender whisperings of love have never 
come. No man can be truly great whose heart has not gone 
out towards the spot he calls home; who has never said "This 
is my own, mv native land." No man can be truly great whose 
soul does not possess the principles of true friendship, that 
golden cord that binds man nearer man and makes life worth 
the living. 

The illustrious dead was blessed with all these virtues — he 



was a patriot, he was a statesman, he was an American; he 
Inved his country, and his countr_y loved him well. 

May the noble spirit of patriotism, the sweet, tender love for 
humanity, the ennobling- principles of true friendshiii that so 
raised him above his fellow men, be ever emulated by all lovers 
of tlie human race. 

Representative J. T. Campbell then spoke as follows: 

Mr. Chairnuni. Sciuihir^ and Hcpraciilativcs, Ladia and (n')i- 
//cinci/- To you who had the pleasure of a personal and familiar 
actjuaintance with Senator Stockbridge would seem to belong- all 
the honor of a voice in his memor_y tonight; and I have no 
desire to occupy more than a moment of the time that so clearly 
belongs to you. 

jSIy knowledge of the life of that distinguished man was 
neither personal nor familiar; yet I knew him, and in a way 
that perliaps testified to his worth as emphatically and sincerely 
as another knowledge could have done. I knew him from his 
reputation as a sympathetic, a social and a friendly man; and 
while others of you speak of his other virtues and abilities I 



shall confine myself strictly to a mention of that side of his life. 

From the time that he first receiyed the h(mor of a scat in 
the United States Senate, I haye repeatedly heard and seen 
evidences of his eminent friendship t<)\yard his entire constitu- 
ency and all the interests he had in charge. Whoever from 
Michigan had the good fortune to be a guest at the national 
capitol during his sojourn there \yas at once invited and 
installed into a common fello%yship with Senator Stockbridge, 
and that social and friendly spirit exercised by one high in 
the councils of his nation always reflected credit and honor 
upon his beloved Michigan. 

When a man, blind from his birth, was asked what he 
thought the sun to be like, he replied. "Like friendship." He 
had felt both; he knew l)()th to be warm and inyigorating. So 
the friendship and sj-mpath}' of Senator Stockbridge was always 
beaming and powerful. It marked him as a social favorite in 
whatever sphere he acted. In open hearted friendship he won 
what from others would have required brilliancy and eloquence. 

If he was ambitious it was to retain his friends. If he had 
a i)olitical l(.)ve, and he had at all times, that love was his 



State of Michig-an. When Michig-an lost him she lost a great 
man's friendship, and tonight she regretfully, aye, sorely sub- 
mits to the inevitable. 

Who shall say but that his qualities of a g-enial and g-ener- 
ous heart were, after all, the truest and most effectual elements 
of successful statesmanship? Who shall say that in admiring- 
those features of his make-uj) we do not recognize the most 
potent forces that g-o t(j make men truly g^reat? 

We, representing- his State, g-ather in this impressive wav to 
speak of him tonight, Init our words are vain excejit as the}- 
serve to perpetuate his work and his friendship to the people of 
Michigan who shall follow him. Thev who speak of his suc- 
cesses in ways of business and of politics have an e.xtensive 
field before them, and I have thoug-ht it fitting for me to refer 
only to his genial friendship, of which I learn from his living 
reputation. His Michigan may well say with the bard of Avon, 

*• The dearest friend to me, the kindest man, 
The best conditioned and unwearied spirit 
In doinsr courtesies: and one in whom 
The ancient Roman honor more appears 
Than any that draws breath in ItaU'.'" 



Representative Foote spoke as follows: 

^fr. C/iainiuiii, Liid/cs ami Goitlciiicii and Goitlcnioi oj the 
loiut Coui-ciitioii — While I cannot add <,)no word of praise to the 
many kind and loving- words of those who have already pre- 
ceded me, yet I cannot as a citizen of the same city and a 
neighbor of the late Senator Stockbridge, refrain from adding 
mv testimony and to place upon record my high appreciation 
of him as a man in all the word implies. 

It can be truly said that he was a self-made man; a man who 
possessed a sterling integrity, as well as all the nther noble attri- 
butes that go towards the making of a good citizen. He was a 
man loyal and true to his friends, true to his convictions of 
right; a man of unswerving loyaltj- to his country; a man beloved 
by the rich and poor alike, who was in sympathy and always 
had a kind word for all who were distressed or in trouble; a 
man whose purse strings were always loosed to every worthy 
object; a man who was always ready to assist by every means 
in his power by which his fellow men might be elevated. Such 
a man was Francis B. Stockbridge. 

He made it possible for that grand association of young men, 



the Y. M. C. A., to erect that noble edifice in the city of 
Kalamazoo by i,'-iving- S10,()(M) to the building- fund, and 
today that building- stands as a towering; monument to his 
memory, for without his g-ift and his encourag-ement this could 
not have been accomplished. 

Michig-an has in the past been called upon to mourn the loss 
of g-reat men; men whose names will live in history; but the 
name of Francis B. Stockbridg-e will stand out in a halo of 
splendor as a man who never shirked a responsibilitv and who 
never turned his back upon a friend. He was a man who hated 
hypocrisy in every form. He had no use for a canting hvpo- 
crite or for any man whom he believed was in anv wiiy dis- 
honest. 

He performed his duty as a citizen and as a senator fearlessly; 
his record is an open book, and those who knew him best 
accord to him the highest meed of praise. 

He sleeps his last long- sleep at beautiful Mountain Home, 
overlooking- the cit_y he loved so well, which he had seen grow 
from a small hamlet to its present proportions. Over his 
sepulcher the sweet breath of spring wafts in gentle breezes, a 



sad requiem, and we loving-1}- tonight bear tribute to his mem- 
ory. May his ashes rest in peace. 

Representative W. I. Latimer then spoke as follows: 

Mr. CJuiiniiaii, Sciiaton and Representatives — I do not rise at 
this time to pron(,>unce a formal or extended eulogf_y on the life, 
public services or private virtues of the late Senator Stock- 
bridge, but it seems eminentl}- fit and appropriate that after an 
acquaintance of nearly a quarter of a century, and of daily 
association for five 3'ears, I should, with others, pay a brief 
tribute of respect to his memory and his worth. He was a man 
of vigorous, frank nature. Like most of us, he was not free 
from faults and peculiarities of disposition, but if (|uick to 
resent an injury he was also quick to forgive it. He had a 
thorough aversion to all affectation, was simple and direct in 
action and expression, independent and clear in judgment. His 
sincerity was beyond question. His honest belief in the princi- 
ples which he professed was never disputed; he meant what he 
said and had no halting opinions; he had a judgment and a 
decided judgment on every question that was presented to him, 



and was a forcible but not a fre([ucnt speaker. He was a party 
man, and early selected for his support the party which in his 
judgment was most conf(irmable to the rights and lilx'rties of 
the people and to the prosperity of the country. Haying delib- 
erately made his choice he adhered to it with all the tenacity 
of his nature. He belieyed in strong measures and had no con- 
fidence in half-way methods. Whatever was right, he held was 
to be promoted by all legal and projier means. He was a 
manly, generous, sturdy and courageous friend. In one impor- 
tant respect he supplied an example valuable in any government, 
especiall}- in one so popular as our own. I refer to the fact 
that on no occasion was Senator Stockbridge known to use his 
ofticial jxisition for his (iwn pecuniary gain, either directly or 
indirectly. His death has ended a career of public service 
throughout which no one ever charged or suspected him of 
having made personal profit out of his political station and 
opportunities. Free-handed and open-hearted, he kept his word, 
despised a coward and loathed a hj-pocrite. Among the most 
prominent distinguishing traits in the character of the late 
Senator Stockbridge were his strong convictions of what he 



believed to he rig'ht, and his indomitable couragfe in expressing' 
and maintaining- those convictions regardless of consequences. 
He who possesses such characteristics may always have enemies, 
but he will never be without friends. Mr. Chairman, in closing 
let me bear testimon}' to the warmth of his love for his fellows 
and the noble qualities of the man — not because custom and 
usage and regard for the decencies and proprieties of life 
require it when he is stricken with death, but because I knew 
and admired the man, and had enjoyed his society and friend- 
ship, and esteem it a privilege to honor his memory*. 



Lieutenant Governor Milnes then addressed the joint conven- 
tion as follows: 

jMr. Chairman^ Members of llie House and Semite ^ Ladies and 
Goitleuieu — A little more than one 3'ear ago the sad news 
flashed over the electric wires, conveying to us the intelligence 
that Michigan's distinguished son and statesman, Francis B. 
Stockbridgc, had passed from earth and gone to join the great 
majority. 

We have assembled here tonight in this hall of legislation. 



where our departed friend and brotlier stood but a few short 
years ag-o in the prime of life and the strength of his noble 
manhood, in the performanee of his duty as a le<fislator, to pay 
a tribute to his memory and to testify to his many fine ijualities 
of heart and mind. 

It has been truly said that time is the great healer to hearts 
wounded by the loss of loved ones; yet after this lapse of time, 
we cannot lielj) but feel sad and sorrowful that the manly form 
and g-enial features of our friend, and the public's benefactor, 
will be seen no more in the legislative halls of State or nation. 

Senator Stockbridg^e was one of those men whom but to know 
was to love and admire; one of those rug'g-ed, honest and genial 
business men who have made the great northwest blossom like 
a rose, and left their impress in the communities in which they 
lived. 

Born in the grand old state of Maine, of highlv respected 
parents, he grew up among the tall pines and rugged hills of 
his native state until the age of sixteen. With a strong and 
manly constitution, though young in years, he started out 
with a fixed and steady determination to carve out for himself 



a name and fortune. For a time he stood behind a counter in 
Boston, Massachusetts. With his ij^enial manner and g-entle- 
manly deportment, his tine form and gentle voice, we can 
readily believe he was a success in this position. Saving- some 
of his earnings while engaged as clerk, he soon started boldly 
forth into the great northwest, landing in the city of Chicago, 
and soon afterwards engaging in the lumber business, and quickly 
demonstrating his ability as a first class business man. Bold 
and aggressive in all his business transactions, but scrupuhmsly 
truthful and hon-^st with all with whom he came in contact, he 
soon gained the confidence of the business world, and was thus 
enabled to lay the fimndation of the great fortune which he 
soon possessed. He was an ideal business man, with a quick 
eye, strong will, and ready judgment ti_) take advantage of any 
opening that led to honorable success in business affairs. His 
rugged honesty and hearty manner attracted the attention of his 
fellow men. His untiring energy in early and middle manhood 
spurred on those with whom he was associated to greater effort 
and nobler deeds. 

Moving to Allegan in 1S51, at which time the whole north- 



western part of the State was a dense forest, covered with a 
mig-hty growth of the tallest and finest pine in the world, and 
inhabited by wild beasts of various kinds, he very soon com- 
menced operations which led to the rapid development of Allegan 
and surrounding counties, and at the same time adding to his 
own fortune a magnificent sum. Later on he took up his 
residence in the then big village of Kalamazoo, now one of the 
finest and most progressive inland cities in this or any other 
State. Kalamazoo remained his home up to the time of his death. 
His adopted city soon began to feel his influence, and never 
afterwards ceased to honor and reward him for all he did 
towards its splendid development. 

The citizens of Kalamazoo very quickly recognized his great 
ability and fitness for public affairs, and although he was not a 
politician in the sense in which that term is generally under- 
stood, they soon started him out on an honorable political 
career which only ended with life itself. In ISd"), he served in 
the lower House of Michigan's Legislature, and in 1S71 he was 
elected to the State Senate, in both of which bodies he served 
with great distinction to himself and honor to his constituents. 



His tact and judgment, coupled with his winning ways and 
gentlemanh' deportment, assured the success of almost any 
cause which he advocated. He was not an orator or trained 
public speaker; but he had that which is a surer leader to suc- 
cess, the confidence and esteem of his colaborers. His influence 
for g-ood on the business, social and political life of Michigan 
will be recognized and felt for many years yet to come. 

He was richly endowed with good, common sense, with the 
power to make others see in a right way complex propositions 
of finance, business and politics. His advice was always freely 
and franklj- given when asked for; if followed, almost invari- 
ably led to victory and success. Many men of more lirilliant 
parts than Senator Stockbridge fail for lack of the good sense 
and tact which he possessed in such an eminent degree. 

In 1887 he was elected to the highest legislative bod}- in the 
land, and served the State and nation with signal ability. In 
1S'J3 he was re-elected to the same position and served his con- 
stituents faithfully and well up to the time of his sudden death 
in Chicago. 

There is nothing in this world that succeeds like success 



itself, and when measured fmm tliis safe standp.,int. Senator 

Stockbridj,re was a great success in all the avocations of life in 

which he eng-ag-ed. 

While Senator Stockbridg-e was not a brilliant man on the 

floor of the United States Senate, yet he succeeded in represent- 
ing the State of Michig-an at the national capitol in a highly 
creditable manner, and became a Senator of great influence in 
the councils of the nation. His great ability and untiring 
efforts in behalf of the interests of his adopted State have been 
bountifully testified to by his colleagues in the Senate and 
recognized by the people of Michigan. 

He made a great fortune by his splendid business abilities; 
but, unlike some of our nation's millionaires, he did not hoard 
it. He was liberal to a fault, scattering his money to the right 
and left among the poor and needy, relieving the distressed, and 
caring for those upon whom the fortunes of life had fallen 
heavily. 

Michigan has reason to feel proud and grateful that some of 
her sons, whom wealth and fortune have smiled upon, have set 
a bright and shining example to other men of wealtli and influ- 



ence in following out the divine injunction to remember the poor 
and need)'. The well known benefactions of Michigan's soldier 
statesman, General Alger, and of him whose memory' we com- 
memorate today, are worthy of imitation by those upon whom 
God has showered his blessings with such a liberal hand. If 
our many and still multiplying millionaires, would apply some 
of their accumulated wealth as these men have done, we should 
soon cease to hear the complaints we now so often hear against 
the accumulation of large estates, and the great war between 
capital and labor would be robbed of its principal incentives; 
and instead of trying to tear down and destroy great fortunes, 
we should all be praying for them to increase, and showering 
blessings upon the men who do not forget that it is more 
blessed to give than to receive. 

Senator Stockbridge was a man prolific in resources and busi- 
ness ability; he was prominent in the mining affairs of the upper 
peninsula; he engaged largely in the manufacturing establish- 
ments of his home city; he was the owner of farms and took 
great interest in agricultural enterprises; he extended his lumber 
interests into distant states and territories. Yet everything he 



undertook was conducted with such good judgment and econom}- 
that success was sure to follow. 

The life work and success of Senator Stockbridge furnish to 
the youth of this and future generations the incentive for the 
accomplishment of the possibilities that lie before them. In this 
great republic, in this land of freedom, every man stands on an 
equal footing before the law, and may, by industry, honesty and 
perseverance, ascend to the top of fortune's ladder. The poor 
man of todaj- mav become the man of wealth and position tomor- 
row, bv a strict attention to business, and an exercise of those 
solid qualities of will, mind and heart so conspicuously possessed 
by the late Senator Stockbridge. 

Senator Stockbridge was a staunch believer and supporter of 
the fundamental principles of christianit}-, which had much to 
do in building up and molding his character. 

And now he has gone from our sight forever; his mortal 
remains have been laid at rest; his noble spirit has taken flight, 
let us hope, to a brighter and happier home. His mcmorj- and 
good deeds, all the good he did in this life, will live on down 
the ages of time; and a grateful people will revere his name. 



Into the silent land; ah' who shall lead us thither? 

Let US, my friends, be read_y to do our dut}- in a conscientious 
manner, manfull}- battliny for the cause of right and justice, 
with a firm belief that the immortal bard was right when he said: 

'* That iie who in life's battle firm doth stand 
Shall bear hope's tender blossoms to the silent land," 

The question being- on the adoption of the resolutions, 
The resolutions were adopted by an unanimous rising vote. 
On moticm of Mr. W. D. Kelly, 
The joint convention adjourned. 



IN MEMORY 

OF 

HON. FRANCIS B. STOCKBRIDGE 

OF KALAMAZOO 



STATE SENATOR, UNITED STATES SENATOR 



WELL BELOVED CITIZEN 



BORN AT BATH, MAINE, APRIL 9, 1826 
DIED IN CHICAGO, APRIL 30, 1894 



COMMEMORATIVE EXERCISES 

PARTICIPATED IN BY THE GOVERNOR, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR 
AND SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 



House of Representatives, \ 
Laiisi)ig\ May 2j, /Sgj. f 
Mr, Chamberlain offered the following-: 

Heso/vcd, That there be printed fifteen hundred copies of the 
proceedings of the Stockbridg-e Memorial Joint Convention for 
distribution among the members of the House and Senate; 
Which was adopted. 



' Death's but a path that must U* trnd, 
If man wuulcl fvi-r pass \a (iud." 



' Faith builds a bridg-e across the grulf of death. 
To break the shock blind nature cannot shun. 
And lands thoU(.'hl smoothly on the other short 



Compiled by 

SAMUEL F. COOK, 

Journal Clerk, 

House of Representatives. 



/>, 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



013 704 819 A 



